Operations Manager

Work Arrangement:
Full Time (Hybrid)

Contract Type:
Permanent

Salary per annum (£): 38784.00

Closing Date: 16/07/2026

The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

As Operations Manager, you will work closely with the School Manager to lead a wide range of operational support activities which are crucial to the efficient and effective running of the School, ensuring compliance with University regulations and legislation where relevant. You will manage the operations team and the broad range of activity they cover including Executive support, HR and staffing, estates, health and safety, business continuity, and where applicable, reception services.

It is essential that the post-holder has strong communication skills, has excellent organisational and problem solving skills and is able to lead, develop and motivate a team.

• Deputise for the School Manager as required, including attending relevant meetings and leading on strategic initiatives.
• Lead and motivate the School's operations team to ensure delivery of high quality support. The service will include executive support, HR and staffing, estates, health and safety, business continuity, information management and where applicable, reception services.
• Manage and oversee the School's people management functions in close partnership with HR colleagues, including staff contract management, staff recruitment, the Staff Review and Development Scheme and promotion processes, liaising with the Faculty HR team as required.
• Lead on all estates matters on behalf of the School, in close partnership with Estates and Facilities Management, resolving issues and providing project management support.
• Support optimisation and effective utilisation of post award research funds, including management of complex grants/ large portfolios (Optional).
• Lead on Information Management processes for the School, including developing the School's information asset register, ensuring compliance with University regulations and relevant legislation, and line managing the School's Information Champion.
• Strategic oversight of business continuity management leading the development and implementation of arrangements within the School.
• Lead on annual academic workload planning for the School, liaising with colleagues.
• Take delegated responsibility for budget management from the School Manager where agreed and appropriate.
• Support One University activities in the School including work around Athena Swan accreditation.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn’t match perfectly with this role’s criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

• Educated to degree level (or equivalent experience). (Stage(s) assessed at: Application and interview)
• Previous experience in a professional role, ideally within a Higher Education or similar environment. (Application and interview)
• Experience of successfully managing and motivating a team and aligning day-to-day work and goals with local priorities. (Application and interview)
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, including the ability to communicate productively with staff at all levels and explain complex information clearly. (Application and interview)
• Ability to assess and organise resources, and plan and progress work activities within required deadlines. (Application and interview)
• A creative and flexible approach to problem-solving, with an appreciation of longer term implications. (Application and interview)
• Experience of high quality administrative and business support within a complex organisation including evidence of implementing service improvements. (Application and interview)
• Excellent customer service skills, with experience of responding efficiently and effectively to enquiries. (Application and interview)
• Experience of to work flexibly and collegiately to achieve strategic aims. (Application and interview)
• Understanding of Higher Education policy and operational environment, and knowledge of relevant systems, policies, legislation and quality standards. (Application and…